Climate Change Is Here. Here’s What Gives Me Hope

Armand Khoury via Flickr

As I write this, my phone keeps alerting me to the growth of a wildfire in Tahoe National Forest, California, where I live. 

It broke out last night. This morning, it was 1,000 acres. An hour ago, it was 2,000. Just now: 4,000. Smoke is in the air, and the sky is changing. 

Extreme drought, fueled by climate change, contributes to this – one of many wildfires burning in California. So is the record-breaking heat, also driven by climate change, which is expected to continue through Friday. 

It’s these kinds of experiences that are causing more and more people in America and around the world to feel increasingly concerned about climate change. 

So, what can we do? So much. So, so much. 

There are great possibilities in every single sector of society. One with outsized potential is business. And the forces looking for action are clear: Mother Nature, shareholders, the government, consumers, and employees – all want climate action. 

And businesses that take action can seize many benefits, including improved forecasting, happier investors, reduced costs, more loyal customers, and the ability to attract and retain happier employees. 

But we need to think differently. Leaders need to help their teams know how to talk about climate change – creating opportunities to develop the emotional and social skills to face our changing world. 

I’ve seen this work. And it gives me hope because climate change and hope are not mutually exclusive.